WHEN Brian Lara broke Sir Gary Sober's colossal record of 365 at Recreation ground, Antigua, the Caribbean was ecstatic, the world stupefied. Lara - was dubbed the World Champion of batting.

At that time. India was participating in a one-day tournament in Saijah. The Indians applauded Lara's effort, but were quite adamant that the champ is here at Saijah and not in. Antigua. You guessed itl They were talking about Sachin Tendulkar. The debate was on. Who's the best? Lara the flamboyant Trinidadian or Tendulkar the Indian master.

After that a silent but in-, triguing battle of supremacy has evolved between, Tendulkar vs Lara. Judging who's better can be very difficult because of both of them have hefty batting records and enormous popularity.

Tendulkar made his debut at the -tender age of sixteen. But the maturity he shows at the crease is quite amazing. In 32 test matches he has scored

over 2000 runs with 7 centuries. He gave a new dimension in one-day cricket opening the batting for India. Using field restrictions shrewdly he tore apart the. bowling. Tendulkar's sound judgement, flawless technique and classy strokes are a delight to cricket lovers around the world.

Brian Lara came . into prominence in the World Cup in Australia. He has the astonishing distinction of scoring highest test (375) and first class (501) runs. This is an achievement quite rare. Lara’s thrlst for runs makes him a nightmare for any -bowling attack. When he gets going It's like a music. He has the ability to destroy any bowler with stupendous strokes. Even a good ball becomes ordinary When Lara is on the mood.

Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara are geniuses at work while, batting. These two "crown princes" of cricket are fighting for the. mantle of world's best batsman. It's Lara vs Tendulkar. This is. a game worth waiting to see. ’